In moments of crisis, clear and instant communication isn’t optional — it’s mission-critical. Whether you’re part of a public safety team or a school district emergency response unit, the need for reliable, secure communication tools has never been greater. That’s where radios come in.
What Is FirstNet?
FirstNet is a nationwide, high-speed wireless broadband network dedicated to first responders and public safety personnel. Built by AT&T in partnership with the First Responder Network Authority, FirstNet was developed after 9/11 to solve a critical issue: communication failures during emergencies.
FirstNet offers:
- Priority and preemption during network congestion
- Secure Band 14 access for dedicated emergency communication
- Enhanced coverage, including rural and hard-to-reach areas
- Resilient, mission-critical support for voice, text, video, and data
Why FirstNet Matters for Schools and Public Safety Teams
During emergencies — whether a natural disaster, campus threat, or large-scale event — traditional cellular networks often become congested. FirstNet gives priority to approved users, ensuring first responders and school security teams can communicate without delay.
For schools, FirstNet improves coordination between:
- School resource officers
- Administrators
- Local law enforcement and fire departments
- Emergency medical services (EMS)
Understanding Band 14 and Its Benefits
Band 14 is the special LTE spectrum reserved for FirstNet. Devices that support Band 14 can access this spectrum during emergencies, giving public safety users priority access over commercial traffic.
Benefits of Band 14 access:
- Wider coverage
- Increased signal penetration in buildings
- Lower latency during high-demand situations
FirstNet Ready™ Radios: The Diga-Talk+ Advantage
Whisler Communications proudly offers the Diga-Talk+ series, including models like the DTP-8700, which are FirstNet Ready™. These radios are built for reliability, flexibility, and rugged performance.
Key features include:
- 4G LTE secure network connectivity
- Band 14 support for FirstNet priority access
- GPS tracking and over-the-air updates
- Emergency SOS button for fast response
- Compact design for vehicles and field use
Diga-Talk+ radios also integrate with PC-based dispatch software for voice playback, geo-fencing, and location history — making them ideal for fleet coordination and emergency operations centers.
Who Qualifies for FirstNet?
Eligible users include:
- Law enforcement
- Fire departments
- Emergency medical services
- School safety personnel
- Emergency managers
- Utilities and transportation agencies with public safety roles
Ready to Equip Your Team with FirstNet Ready Radios?
Whisler Communications has over 65 years of experience supporting public safety, schools, and government agencies with secure radio communications. Our team can help you find the right FirstNet Ready solutions tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to learn more about the Diga-Talk+ radios and how we can help improve your emergency communications plan.
